318 Mt. Rushmore Road, Suite E
Rapid City, South Dakota

1-800-761-5437 • 1-605-342-7004
Or use our Contact Us form

Tim G. Pederson, ATP

CEO
Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)

Education:
• Bachelor of Arts, Concordia College Moorhead, MN, Healthcare Administration

Certifications:
• Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)

Special Interests & Community Involvement:
• American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare), Board Director
• Rehab and Assistive Technology Council (RATC), Vice Chairman
• Midwest Association for Medical Equipment Services (MAMES), Board Director, Vice President
• SunCatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy, Board Director, Vice President

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Jim B. Hermeling, MS, OTR/L, ATP

Assistant Director of Clinical Services
Director of Rehab Technology Services
Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)

Education:
• MS, University of South Dakota, Occupational Therapy
• Bachelor of Science, University of Minnesota - Duluth
• Associate of Arts, Normandale Community College - Bloomington, MN

Certifications:
• Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)
• Med University RTS Mastery Certification
• Med University Rehab Sales Certification
Special Interests & Community Involvement:
• Ski for Light, Board Director
• Americans with Disabilities Act Celebration Committee, Member

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Anthony (Tony) J. Holso, ATP

Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)

Education:
• Associate of Arts, Western Dakota Technical Institute, Building Design & Construction-Architectural Design

Certifications:
• Med University RTS Mastery Certification
• Med University Rehab Sales Certification

Specialized training:
• Therapeutic Recreational Specialist, City of Chandler, AZ
• Para-educator for severe and profound special needs students, Chandler Unified School District, Chandler, AZ
&bull Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate, Chandler, AZ
• Unified School District, Chandler, AZ
Special Interests & Community Involvement:
• Ski for Light, Volunteer
• SunCatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy, Volunteer

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Joseph Luciano, ATP

Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)

Education:
• Diploma, Western Dakota Technical Institute, Computer Networking Specialist

Certifications:
• Med University RTP Mastery Certification

Specialized training:
• Pride Technical Institute: PTI 101, PTI 102

Med University Courses:
• Customer Service Representative, Delivery-Driver Technician,
• Bronze Med Certified Repair Technician, Silver Med
• Certified Repair Technician

Special Interests & Community Involvement:
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Volunteer
• Hospice of the Hills
• Habitat for Humanity
• SunCatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy
• Emmanuel Episcopal Church

There are a variety of personal mobility products available depending on the needs of the individual.

Scooters and motorized wheelchairs are useful for individuals who can walk short distances but need assistance for longer journeys. Most scooters have rear-wheel drive and front-wheel steering.

Many technological enhancements have improved today's scooters including power seats, flip-back arms, adjustable bases, gear drive systems providing 20 miles to a charge and attractive colors.

Scooters are steered with a handlebar, steering wheel, joystick, or push-button controls. Some scooters disassemble easily for transportation in the trunk of a vehicle.

Electric scooters have either three or four wheels and steer using handlebars - much like a bicycle. Electric scooters are ideal for outside activities, as they glide smoothly and easily over a variety of surfaces. There are even portable motorized scooters that can be stowed in the trunk of a car.

A mobility power chair usually has 4-6 wheels and is steered using a "joystick." Sometimes referred to as an electric wheelchair or power wheelchair, power chairs offer superior in-home maneuverability, fit almost anywhere and turn on a dime. A power chair is primarily designed for people who need help getting around indoors. Operate your wheelchair (power chair) only on hard, relatively smooth surfaces. As you move about in your power wheelchair, observe the surface ahead of you to avoid getting stuck or running over bumps, holes, etc., that might turn you over, cause you to be thrown out, or severely damage the wheelchair.

Steering: Joystick steering provides maximum control with minimal arm or hand strength. Armrests offer more support for arms and hands.

Seating: Multiple seat option helps manage pressure and proper posture. Comfortable seat with a contoured back and adjustable height, armrests and seat back angle deliver all-day comfort.

Programming: Customized controls are programmable to fit the client's abilities and dexterities.

Progression: Additional accessories include power leg rests and "tilt-in-space" recline seating available if client's condition progresses.

Turning Radius: The smaller turning radius offers tight turning in small spaces, narrow hallways and small rooms.

Maneuverability: The highly maneuverable power chairs allow the ability to pull up to a table or desk, as well as easy movement to toilets, beds, chairs, etc.

Stability: The six-wheel stability includes anti-tip wheels and enhanced suspension for travelling over thresholds and other uneven surfaces.

This South Dakota home medical equipment provider offers FREE in-home delivery, set up, and mobility lessons for all of our scooters and motorized wheelchairs.

A standard wheelchair is characterized by a cross-brace frame (allows folding ), built-in or removable arm rests, swing-away footrests, a mid- to high-level back, two large wheels (usually 20-26") with push rims, two small wheels in the front (castors) and push handles to allow non-occupants to propel the chair. Most standard wheelchairs require a significant amount of energy to propel, thus making them a practical for active people.

There are also many variations to the standard wheelchair. Quickie, Breezy and Guardian wheelchairs offer performance, comfort, functionality and versatility, all in a package that is stylish enough to be a natural extension of the life it is enhancing. We are committed to providing high quality home medical equipment that is designed with the rider's mobility needs in mind. Jay Seating Products, a manufacturer used by WestMed Rehab meets the varying posture and functional needs of clients. Jay cushions and backs are created with high quality materials and patented designs that can be customized to accommodate specific position needs.

Custom manual wheelchairs are made to fit the special needs of the user and can include simple modifications of standard designs or creating an entirely unique design. There are now many possibilities available to improve the ride, from suspension systems which help to remove vibrations and jolts, to ultra-light weight frames which enable better performance, to special designs for every individualized need and taste.

We understand that every client has specific needs. Therefore we provide a variety of custom seating and will help you choose the solution that provides the best comfort and support. A well designed custom seating system can contribute greatly to your overall health and wellbeing.

Custom Seating Components:

• Molded orthotic back
• Padded hip belt
• Trunk support
• Abductor pommel
• Adjustable head support
• Carved positioning seat
• Shoulder harness
• Foot box
• Elbow blocks and tray

Will Medicare pay for a Scooter?

If you qualify, Medicare will pay for a portion of your scooter.

If I qualify, how much will Medicare pay towards the purchase of scooter?

Medicare will pay 80% of a set allowable for a scooter. The amount depends on your state of residence.

How do I submit a claim to Medicare?

WestMed Rehab will submit the claim on your behalf after you purchase the scooter. Medicare will process your claim and inform you of their payment decision.

Can I find out if I medically qualify before I purchase the scooter?

No, Medicare does not have a Prior Authorization process available at this time.

Most Seat Lift Chairs are recognized and qualify for potential reimbursement under Medicare and other Health Care Insurance Companies.

If you need a lift chair and meet your insurance's coverage guidelines, they may pay for all or part of the cost. Coverage criteria and payment amounts will vary depending on the type of insurance you have. Most health care insurance companies, including Medicare, have minimum requirements that need to be met before they will purchase a lift chair for you.

What is a seat lift mechanism?

The seat lift mechanism is the portion of the lift chair that gently lifts you to a standing position. It includes the metal frame on which the chair rests, the lift motor, the scissors mechanisms and the hand control unit.

Will medicare pay for a seat lift chair?

If you qualify, Medicare will pay for a portion of your Seat Lift Chair. The portion that Medicare will pay for is the seat lift mechanism that is incorporated into a Seat Lift Chair.

Most Seat Lift Chairs are recognized and qualify for potential reimbursement under Medicare and other Health Care Insurance Companies.

Medicare Coverage Criteria

A seat-lift mechanism is covered if all of the following criteria are met:

• The client must have severe arthritis of the hip or knee or have a severe neuromuscular disease.
• The seat lift mechanism must be part of the physician's course of treatment and be prescribed to effect improvement, or stop or slow deterioration in the client's condition.
• The client must be completely incapable of standing up from a regular armchair or any chair in the home. The fact that a client has difficulty or is even incapable of getting up from a chair, particularly a low chair, is not sufficient justification for a seat lift mechanism. Almost all clients who are capable of walking can get out of an ordinary chair if the seat height is appropriate and the chair has arms.
• Almost all clients who are capable of walking can get out of an ordinary chair if the seat height is appropriate and the chair has arms.
• Once standing, the client must have the ability to ambulate.
• Coverage of seat lift mechanisms is limited to those types which operate smoothly, can be controlled by the client, and effectively assist a client in standing up and sitting down without other assistance.
• Excluded from coverage is the type of lift which operated by spring release mechanism with a sudden, catapult-like motion and jolts the client from a seated to a standing position.
• Coverage is limited to the seat lift mechanism, even if it is incorporated into a chair.
  
  If you feel you meet these requirements, you may be eligible to receive the most stylish, best performing and most reliable lift chair available on the market today.

If I qualify, how much will Medicare pay towards the purchase of a Seat Lift Chair?

Medicare will pay 80% of a set allowable for a seat lift mechanism. The amount depends on your state of residence. On average the amount reimbursed by Medicare is around $250.00.

How do I submit a claim to Medicare?

Once we have a completed CMN signed by your physician and after you purchase the Seat Lift Chair, we will submit a claim along with the CMN to Medicare on your behalf. Medicare will process your claim and inform you of their payment decision.

Medicare Carrier by State

If you reside in:
CT, DE, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, DC, MD
Your Medicare Carrier is:
NHIC, Corp.
DME MAC Jurisdiction A
P.O. Box 9146
Hingham, MA 02043-9146
Phone for suppliers: (866)419-9458
Phone for beneficiaries: (800)MEDICARE

If you reside in:
IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI, KY
Your Medicare Carrier is:
National Government Services
DME MAC Jurisdiction B
P.O. Box 7031
Indianapolis, IN 46207
Phone: (800)270-2313

If you reside in:
AL, AR, CO, FL, GA, LA, MS, NM, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, PR, VI, VA, WV
Your Medicare Carrier is:
Palmetto GBA
DME MAC Jurisdiction C
P.O. Box 100141
Columbia, SC 29202-3235
Phone: (800)213-5452

If you reside in:
AZ, AK, CA, HI, ID, IA, KS, MO, MT, NE, NV, ND, OR, SD, AS, GM, UT, WA, WY
Your Medicare Carrier is:
Noridian
DME MAC Jurisdiction D
P.O. Box 6707
Fargo, ND 58108-6707
Phone for suppliers: (866)243-7272 or (866)879-2704
Phone for beneficiaries: (800)633-4227